With newfound confidence, the Manchester United loanee is flourishing in La Liga.
The winger for Manchester United, Antony, has attributed his improved performances since going on loan to Real Betis to Spain’s warm and sunny weather. With four goals and four assists in ten games for Manuel Pellegrini’s team, the Brazilian, who found it difficult to justify his high price tag at Old Trafford, seems to have found his form again in La Liga.
The 24-year-old was eager to highlight how his environment affected his physical and emotional health, drawing a comparison between Manchester’s sometimes dismal and cloudy weather and Seville’s bright climate. He stated (via Tribal Football) in an interview with local media:
“The city has also had a significant impact. I feel fantastic and things are lot better here. The sun has a significant impact. You wake up feeling wonderful every day at lunchtime. The most important thing to me is that I go to sleep smiling.
Manchester United’s struggles
To put it mildly, Antony’s tenure at Manchester United has been lacklustre. Having been a vital member of the Eredivisie under Erik ten Hag, he came with huge expectations after being signed from Ajax for an incredible £85 million in the summer of 2023. But his performance at United hasn’t lived up to his price tag. The Brazilian has only managed 12 goals and five assists in 96 games, drawing harsh criticism for his lack of consistency and final product.
The winger found it difficult to adjust to the Premier League’s intensity, as opponents frequently neutralised his predictable cutting-inside movement. His decision-making and lack of adaptability were also cited as key issues, which ultimately resulted in his removal from the starting lineup and January 2025 loan move to Betis.
La Liga’s rebirth
Since arriving at Betis, Antony has looked like a different player. The change in scenery, along with Pellegrini’s attacking setup, has given him the freedom to express himself. Unlike at United, where he was often isolated on the right wing, Betis’ fluid attacking system allows him to interchange positions with Nabil Fekir and Ayoze Pérez, making him more difficult to mark.
His four goals and four assists in just 10 games already match or surpass what he managed in an entire season at Manchester United, reflecting a clear improvement in confidence and effectiveness.
Betis’ European Aspirations
Betis’ pursuit of European qualifying has benefited greatly from Antony’s assistance. The Andalusian team, which is presently in sixth place in La Liga, is fighting for a position in the UEFA Europa League next season against teams like Villarreal and Athletic Club.
Depending on United’s asking price, the club is allegedly thinking about making his loan move permanent. Betis might be persuaded to make a contract if Antony keeps up his current level of performance, but United might also see this as a chance to recover a portion of their original investment.
What Will Happen to Antony Next?
Given the uncertainty surrounding his future at Manchester United, Antony’s comeback at Betis begs the crucial question: Will he be able to return to Old Trafford as a more fully developed player, or is his time there really over? At 24, he still has time to establish himself at the highest level, despite his difficulties in England suggesting that a return may not be optimal.
He is still focused on helping Betis win European football for the time being, and if the Seville sunshine keeps bringing out the best in him, he could have finally found the proper setting to succeed.
📊 Isco and Antony are having a sensational season with Real Betis:
🇧🇷 Antony — 4 goals, 4 assists
🇪🇸 Isco — 9 goals, 5 assistsStill got it! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/LGeecv5OZv
— Sholy Nation Sports (@Sholynationsp) March 16, 2025
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